Little G: Yeah yeah. Keep up the attitude and I won’t tell you the secret to winning back your girl.
Me: There’s a secret? How? Tell me.
Little G: Because I’m such a good sister, and because you promise to hook me up with that thick linebacker Rocky, I’ll let you in. The secret lies with the best friend. Get in good with the bestie, you’ll win back the love of your life.
Me: One - you will NEVER date any guy who plays in the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, or any other professional sport. Or semi-pro. Those guys are even worse than the pro’s. Two - I’m supposed to suck up to Lucy and hope she helps me instead of hurting me?
Little G: Oh ye of little faith. Just trust me. Call her bestie, and you can thank me later. I accept thank you’s in the form of trips to Greece and rich single men.
Me: If Lucy doesn’t chop off my balls, I’ll send you a fruit basket.
Me: I know I have no right to ask, but I really need your help.
Lucy: Who says you have no right? I’ve been waiting for you to grow a pair and call me.
Me: Huh?
Lucy: You want your girl back, don’t you?
Me: More than anything.
Lucy: Okay then. Let’s get her.
Me: You look beautiful today, mi Reina.
Mi Reina: How would you know? You haven’t seen me.
Me: I don’t have to see you to know it’s true. You’re always the most stunning woman in any room you step foot into.
Mi Reina: Oh boy. There he goes again. Cheese maker.
Me: I’ve told you before, I only speak the truth. Here’s another truth…I love you, Valentina. And until you tell me to never speak to you again, I’ll just continue to irritate you in the way that you love so much.
Mi Reina: Lucky me.
If things goas Lucy and I planned, I’ll be holding my girl in my arms by the end of night. Then who’s the lucky one.
I walk into the restaurant and pause behind a couple that stands at the hostess station. It’s always the same bit at Chachi’s. Loud music, festive lights, people laughingafter too many margaritas. I understand why it’s Lucy’s favorite, but this is everything Valentina would rather avoid unless it’s a business situation. When the networking is done and she no longer has to wear the face of professionalism, I’ve come to learn that she really just wants to be a homebody and shut herself off from the world.
I teased her once that she was allergic to people and she didn’t even bat an eyelash or disagree. If it weren’t for the carefree attitude I unleashed, I’d say she is devoid of emotion. But I’ve seen behind the curtain and I know she is not what she projects.
“H-hi. Welcome to Chachi’s. Dining in?” The hostess’s eyes are wide and the Christmas lights flash in her giant orbs.
“I am actually meeting someone. I believe she said she’s in the bar.” The woman’s face falls hearing I’m meeting a woman, as if she had a chance.
Actually, she may have six months ago, but other women don’t even pop up on my radar anymore.
She passes me a tight smile and I walk past her, walking up the three steps to the vibrant bar and stand in the corner, looking around for my girl. Her back is to me, but I spot her immediately. It also helps that Lucy is facing me with a giant smile and eyes working to catch my attention. I nod to let her know I see them, and creep closer to their table.
Just then a waiter walks up holding a tray of, you guessed, peach margaritas. My girl's favorite. He sets each glass down but the fucker doesn’t leave. He stands there, flirting with Valentina and leaning closer and closer to her. His hand moves dangerously close to hers, and by dangerous I mean he’s about to lose thatgoddamn hand if he touches her. And when she laughs, I see red.
I stomp over to the table and stand right next to the dude. Valentina’s smile falls and the guy has yet to realize I’m there.
“I’d love to get your number. Maybe we can go out sometime,” he tells her, his voice slimy like he’s not just looking to grab a drink with her.
“Sorry, bucko. She’s taken.” The guy jumps and flings his head.
He rises to his full height but he soon realizes that the imposing stance he’s trying to give off falls flat.
